midterm evaluations.

As you probably know, I am a major keener. In elementary and junior high, I was that annoying kid who always answered the teacher's question, constantly flapping my hand in the air just itching to speak. I dominated group-projects, cried over 85%, and handed homework in early.

And not much has changed. I love school - that's just me. So when midterm evaluations came around this week, I was chomping at the bit to sit down with my instructor and review my skill development/professional progress during the past two weeks. 

Unfortunately, my instructor either 1) had me confused with someone else, 2) showed up drunk to my evaluation, or 3) is a totally ninny. I'm thinking all three. ANYWAYS. You know those lovely questions, ones where have to define your strengths and then define areas for improvement? Usually I say that a strength of mine is to appear confident and professional, even if my environment is chaotic or I don't know the answer. However, that self-observation died hard and fast because apparently I need to work on having 'confidence in my knowledge'. UGH. 

At the hospital, we are dealing some potentially harmful stuff. Every single time I gave someone an injection, I doubled and tripled checked with my instructor before giving it. I check more than we are required to - making a mistake with heparin or insulin does not have pretty consequences! However, my instructor interpreted this as a lack of confidence. He wants me just to start jabbing people with powerful drugs without double checking? Sure thing. I like giving needles anyway.

I was so upset with his comments. After spending endless hours researching and preparing for clinical, I was not expecting to get a review like that. Half my group shows up late, not prepared, and then ask me for answers before seeing our instructor. I thought I was doing great! I just don't get it.

All that to say, midterm evaluations did not go so well. But this is another week, with another patient, with many more learning experiences ahead. Thank goodness I had the weekend to cool my jets! 

D.

yet again another week...

I've had so many amazing experiences since last week, but have had trouble getting around to blogging because the internet in my suite has cacked. Wonderful! Just when life started to get interesting....

Here's another quick recap from the last week-ish:

• I can successfully and independently remove catheters! Yes, I am proud of my skills!
• I almost passed out while assisting with a dressing change on my patient who is battling a necrotic foot while in isolation with a super-bug infection.... irrigating and packing three areas of rotting flesh was a little too much handle while standing in a stuffy iso. room. 
• BUT, the second time I assisted with the above-mentioned dressing change, I was golden! Was calm and cool - voila! Easy as pie, except now I really hate isolation masks. 
• Unfortunately, I have encountered several pompous doctors. They do not sit well with me! This may be a problem in the future.

I really wish I could put out a lengthier post - not having direct Internet access is a challenge! Hopefully it will be repaired by Friday. 

Otherwise, my clinical experience remains the clear highlight of my entire education. School has never been so enjoyable! Our midterm evaluations are on Friday, and then a mere two weeks to go until next rotation. I can't believe how much I've learned in these past two weeks, it's incredible! Despite how much I prepare the night before, I am always amazed at how much more I need to learn. Nursing is definitely a life-long learning process. 

Cheers!

Danielle.

real nursing!

Where do I begin??

All of a sudden a week has gone by since clinical began, and I am at a loss for words! I don't know where the week went! I'll try to recap it the best I can:

• placed at an Orthopedics/Trauma unit - patients have had either A) elected surgery (ie: total knee replacement), or B) emergency surgery (ie: skateboarding, falling, etc.). For the most part, the surgery is bone related. However, the odd muscle surgery/pancreatitis/amputation gets snuck in.
• My first two buddy nurses on my 'shadow' days were phenomenal. I think they really helped with confidence when it came to running the show on my own.
•  Now that I capable of actual care, I have had two patients! One left-hip replacement, one bilateral knee replacement. Very exciting when you've never had a patient before :) 
• I have given a needle! Twice! 
• Dressing changes - oh my oh my, such fun! I can do them on my own, too! I've done a handful so far, and they are so so interesting. The whole process of surgery, sterile technique, dressings, healing, and any blood/guts involved is right up my alley. 
• We toured the OR! MY GOODNESS IT WAS MY FAVORITE PART. I was grinning like a kid on Christmas Day. And the best part: we get to freakin' WATCH a operation in the theatre! Right up close!! When we are deemed 'competent' enough by our instructor, we follow a patient through their entire elected surgery: pre/intra/post-operatively. HOW COOL IS THAT?!

My days zoom by like crazy. I am go go go, think think think, non-stop, all dayd - when I get home I zonk out like the dead. But it's the greatest feeling in the world - to be so engrossed in what your doing, to be learning constantly. I beyond thrilled to be where I am right now. 

Cheers!

D.

First Day of Clinical!

Look out, hospital. I'm coming!

Fingers crossed for a super exciting and learning-packed kind of day. Cheers!

D.